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Severance pay in Korea is a statutory right — not a benefit. Under the Guarantee of Workers’ Retirement Benefits Act (GWRBA), every employee who has worked in Korea for at least one year is entitled to severance pay upon leaving their job, regardless of the reason for departure. This right applies equally to Korean nationals and foreign workers, and even to employees whose contracts are governed by foreign law.

Written by a Korean-licensed labor lawyer with over 20 years of experience, this guide explains who is eligible, how severance pay is calculated, and what to do if your employer refuses to pay — whether you are working for a Korean company or a foreign multinational operating in Korea, or even working abroad for Korean employers.

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If you are a foreigner trying to divorce in Korea — or divorce a spouse who lives in Korea — this guide answers the questions the Korea divorce lawyers of our team hear most often.

Written by a Korean-licensed attorney with over 20 years of experience handling international divorce cases, this guide covers everything you need to know: whether Korean courts have jurisdiction over your case, which country’s law applies, how long the process takes, and what happens to your visa after divorce. Whether you are married to a Korean citizen or another foreigner, and whether you live in Korea or abroad, read on to find out how to proceed.

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By Chung & Partners, a Korean Law Firm

If you are doing business in Korea—or simply living here—what appears to be a “local” legal issue can quickly develop into a cross-border dispute. Cargo may be released without proper documents. A Korean counterparty may demand payment under a bond you believed was limited in scope. An employment structure that seemed administratively convenient may later become a statutory wage dispute.

Below are several relatively recent decisions of the Korean Supreme Court that are particularly relevant to foreign companies, overseas investors, and expatriates in Korea. Each case is briefly summarized, followed by a practical comment on what it means for foreign parties—because in real disputes, that practical implication is what ultimately matters.

Disclaimer: This post is for general information, not legal advice. Facts matter a lot in Korean litigation. (more…)

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South Korea is one of the sought-after spots for medical tourism. In particular, Korean plastic surgery clinics are internationally renowned for their advanced techniques and relatively affordable costs. Every year, thousands of foreign patients visit Korea for cosmetic procedures.

However, like all medical interventions, plastic surgery carries risks. Some patients suffer from medical accidents or unsatisfactory results, leading to physical, emotional, and financial harm.

This article outlines what legal rights foreign patients have when they experience plastic surgery malpractice in Korea or unexpected outcomes after undergoing treatment in Korea—and how they can pursue compensation based on Korean law and actual court precedents.

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Cross-border inheritance involving Korean assets—whether the decedent or the heir is a non-resident—often leads to unexpected Korean inheritance tax obligations.  Without proper planning, foreign heirs may face administrative delays, tax audits, and significant penalties.

As Korean attorneys who regularly advise foreign families on cross-border estate matters, we have seen many cases where a lack of understanding of Korea’s inheritance tax rules resulted in avoidable risks and financial losses.

In this article, we explain who is liable to pay Korean inheritance tax, which assets are subject to tax, how the tax is calculated, and how to plan for payment—including options such as in-kind contribution or installment plans.  Whether you are a foreign heir, a family representative, or a professional advisor assisting with Korean estate matters, this guide will help you navigate Korea’s inheritance tax system with confidence and clarity.

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The Seoul Bankruptcy Court has recently issued a bankruptcy declaration for Haru Management Limited, the company associated with Haru Invest, which abruptly suspended virtual asset withdrawals in June 2023. This case (2024Hahap100259) has significant implications for creditors, many of whom are foreign nationals, as they must now file their claims to secure their rights during the bankruptcy process.

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If you are dealing with unpaid receivables from a Korean company or individual, recovering these debts can be challenging.  Often, Korean counterparts may ignore communication, delay payments, or cite unacceptable reasons for non-payment.  Some may even rely on the assumption that the geographical distance, legal system differences, and language barriers make it difficult for foreign creditors to pursue debt recovery in South Korea.

This is when hiring an experienced Korean debt collection attorney becomes essential.  A knowledgeable Korean business and litigation lawyer can guide you through the debt collection process under Korean law, from initial steps to enforcing claims.

In this article, our Korean lawyer explains the essential legal steps that foreign creditors can take to recover debts or unpaid receivables effectively. 

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Under Korean inheritance law, inheritance takes effect immediately when a person passes away.  The Korean inheritance law, Part V of the Civil Act, provides who becomes the heir and beneficiary of the deceased person’s property, also known as the estate.

However, heirs and beneficiaries do not always receive the entire estate.  There are specific rules and restrictions on how the estate is distributed under Korean inheritance law, making the process more complex.

In this article, our Korean inheritance lawyer will guide you through the basic rules and practices of inheritance in Korea.  Whether you are navigating Korean inheritance law as a foreigner or need help from a Korean inheritance lawyer, understanding the basics is crucial for securing your rights.

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If you’re involved in a criminal trial in Korea, understanding each stage of the process is crucial for making informed decisions.  This guide, written by our experienced Korean criminal litigation lawyer, provides a straightforward overview of the key steps involved in a Korean criminal trial.  Whether you’re a defendant or simply interested in learning about the process, this guide will help you understand what to expect.

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